HomeMy WebLinkAboutMayor Harmon LetterSean Gillham
June 5, 2020
Mayor Heidi Harmon
San Luis Obispo City Council
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Mayor Harmon:
While it is likely you don't know me, I retired from the SLOPD in 2016. I started as a
reserve police officer in 1986. My parents moved our family to SLO in 1973. My
mother owned a small toy store in the heart of downtown and my father was a Cal Poly
professor. My wife and I are Cal Poly graduates and one of our daughters is a current
Cal Poly student. My family now lives in Atascadero.
It is with great disappointment that I read your public letter critical of your police
department. You had the opportunity as an elected official to bring about meaningful
dialogue between the police department and the community. Instead, you chose words
that are divisive and alienated the men and women of the police department who
sacrifice to keep your community safe.
Your line of questioning is indicative of someone who has little understanding of
policing and the police department your council oversees. Chief Cantrell is the most
accessible police chief I have known and is active at engaging the public. I'm not sure
if you attended one of Chief Cantrell's PEACE Talks (Policing Education And
Community Engagement), but the police department specifically spoke to the
community about the use of force. It is apparent Chief Cantrell is sickened about the
necessity of using tear gas. Rather than bringing your questions to her personally, you
chose to exacerbate the situation by publically posting inflammatory rhetoric. I believe
your words may have done irreparable harm to your police department and
community relations.
I am still in contact with many members of your police department. They are
disheartened. Some are looking for employment elsewhere.
I'm not sure how you can fix this.
Sincerely,
Sean Gillham CC: SLO City Council Members
City Manager Derek Johnson
Police Chief Deanna Cantrell
SLOPD Police Officers' Association